Everyday Wine with Kris Levy

In today’s episode, let me introduce you to Margaux Alvarez,Owner and Founder of Celeste by MA Fitness App & the G.O.A.T. wine.

She is a small Business Owner, Winemaker, Competitive Athlete (7xCF Games, American Ninja Warrior, Titan Games, Tactical Games) and Fitness Coach.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 13:38] Margaux Alvarez on How Wine and Fitness Connect

• Margaux talks about her journey into wine and how it connects with fitness
• Margaux talks about the process of starting a business and licensing requirements for doing business in Utah
• Margaux shares her story of falling in love with wine and the agricultural process behind it

[13:39 – 26:40] Wine and Fitness: Balance is Key for CrossFit Games Competitor

• She has a personal philosophy of balance and how it is important to enjoy life's experiences, both in fitness and wine
• She has learned through her finished journey that if it's all or nothing mentality, it won't serve you the best
• She advocates for balance in her life by drinking wine every once in a while or every day, depending on her mood

[23:50 – 32:48] Five Unique Wine Labels That Tell Stories

• The five wines featured on the label are all unique and special in their own way, with different stories and messages that resonate with people
• The goal of the brand is to promote wine as a lifestyle choice, not just a drink for special occasions, and to connect with people on a personal level by telling their stories and sharing wine tastings

[32:49 – 42:05] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and conver t more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Wine: The Diablo Paso
• Favorite go-to pairings
• 11 Yuran Wine with chicken saute
• Cheer Sun with spicy tacos
• Wine Resource
• The Court of Masterson book
• Talking with Friends

Connect with Margaux 

Website: www.margauxalvarez.com 

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

 JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“It's aligning myself with someone who has a good, strong record in terms of what she's been doing as a winemaker as well.” - Margaux Alvarez

“We're gonna go to different periods in life. Just like with agriculture, you know, you gotta chill the ground. We're gonna introduce the nutrients back into the soil. We as individuals and humans also change and also have some sort of pivot in our life, and it's important to at least understand and take a step back to reflect on that.” - Margaux Alvarez

In today’s episode, let me introduce you to Michael Juergens, founder of the Bhutan Wine Company.

He is a senior partner with a Big Four consulting firm, where he runs the Winery Solutions practice, overseeing the portfolio of services the firm provides to wineries. He is also a certified specialist in wine, a certified sommelier, and a Stage 2 candidate to become the 58th American to qualify as a Master of Wine. Michael has written a number of books on wine, and runs the wildly popular Drinking & Knowing Things wine blog. He is the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company, and is leading the development of the wine industry in this magical Himalayan country. He owns the award winning SoCal Rum company, which was recently awarded the highest point score in history for any silver rum (95 points). Michael is also a professor at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of CA, Irvine. Michael plays the drums in a punk rock band, and spends his free time running adventure races in exotic locations around the world, building.   

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 10:15] Getting into the Winery Program

• The importance of two professional certification tracks  
• Michael shares how he started wanting to learn more about winery
• How he convinces his firm to start a winery business, and be in charge

[10:16 – 23:49] Starting Side Projects on Winery

• Starting as a small sommelier
• Deciding to write wine novels
• Michael shares his experience on Bhutan and their wine culture

[23:50 – 35:40] Lessons Learned During Winery Business

• The Importance of the story of your wine business to resonate with you and your values
• Differentiating winery as business, art or as an assignment as the spectrum
• Aligning story against demographic as a scale with economic viability 

[35:41 – 44:12] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Wine: Burgundy
• Favorite go-to pairings
• • Vintage champagne with steak
  • Sauternes with caviar
• Wine Resource
• • Drinking
  • Knowing things

Connect with Michael 

Website: http://www.bhutanwine.com/ 

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

 JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“If you can grow the best guava in the world, you should be able to grow some pretty damn interesting grapes for wine.”  - Michael Juergens

“You've either got to be on the, we're selling a product to make a product to sell. Or we're trying to do something interesting. I think the people in the middle of that are gonna be less successful than the people on the outside.”  - Michael Juergens

In today’s episode, let me introduce you to Mike Sinor, Founding Winemaker of Ancient Peaks Winery.

Raised in Visalia, California, Mike attended college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, where he financed his education by working at several local wineries— an experience that ignited his career in winemaking. As Ancient Peaks’ founding winemaker, Mike was an integral force in the establishment of the winery. He came in as one of the Central Coast’s highest-rated winemakers and immediately reinforced that reputation with Ancient Peaks’ 2006 Zinfandel (93 points, Wine Spectator) and many wines thereafter. Today, Mike continues to direct the quality and style of Ancient Peaks wines, and he maintains a guiding hand in the winery’s estate Margarita Vineyard.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 09:45] Falling in Love with Winemaking

• Mike shares his wine origin story
• Not growing up with classic food or wine and ended up working for six small brand wineries
• How El Paso de Robles is a great place to be about wine - still the Wild West

[09:46 – 23:05] The Backstory of Ancient Peaks Winery

• The birth of Ancient Peaks Winery - at the right place and the right time
• Building connections to invite opportunities in the wine industry
• Mike explains the realities of the grower and winemaker processes

[23:06 – 28:26] Work Hard and Have an Open Mind

• Mike talks about their wines
• Dealing with extremes - adapting and overcoming
• Do not make excuses and dedicate yourself to your passion

[28:27 – 33:37] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Wine
• Favorite go-to pairing
• • Tri-tip with salsa and Ancient Peaks’ Renegade
• Wine Resource
• • Internet
  • YouTube
  • Podcasts

Connect with Mike

Website: https://ancientpeaks.com/ 

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

 JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“I knew where I was going. I knew I wanted to work for a great winemaker… I went to Cal Poly to be an educator… You know, I think education is a great part of life.”  - Mike Sinor

“Understand what it takes, details to make great wine, to grow wine… It takes years to get the reputation, to get the contacts, and the network, you know?... It's a grind, and it really is a grind.”  - Mike Sinor

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are joined by Michael Speakman!

Michael Speakman bought Westerly Wines five years ago and has not looked back. From crafting high-quality Pinot Noir to big Cabernets, Westerly Wines capitalizes on everything Santa Barbara offers. Let’s dive into his story!

[00:31 - 07:27] Veteran-Owned Wineries Supporting Veterans

• Michael Speakman, owner, and winemaker of Westerly Wines and 13 Stripes Winery is a veteran and retired Navy seal.
• Mike has been working in the wine industry for five years and is passionate about supporting veteran initiatives.

[07:27 - 15:36] Winemaker creates unique wines for charity

• Westerly has been around for 25 years Mike and his wife are the fourth owners.
• The difference between inferior and superior wine and a high-quality farming
• Wine can be used for many purposes, such as raising money or promoting awareness for a cause.

[15:37 - 21:22] Releasing A Patriot Wine Called 13 Stripes

• Mike started 13 Stripes Winery in 2020, In January of 2022, he received a phone call from folds of honor asking if he would donate wine to an upcoming golf event He agreed and donated two cases of wine
• In May of that year, he was contacted by folds of honor again, this time to donate wine for an event in California.
• Since then, he's donated wine to Folds of Honor events in multiple states.
• He recommends documentaries and working with a winemaker who knows verbiage about winemaking

[21:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite go-to-wine
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Favorite go-to pairing
• Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc
• Hamburgers and Red Blend
• Wine Resource
• Books 
• And Documentaries

Connect with Mike Speakman

Instagram:@westerlywines

Website: westerlywines.com and 13stripeswinery.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“I knew that wine was fermented and put in the barrel, but. It's very intriguing. The complexity of how the wine is made and the different aspects of taking it from the field and putting it into a bottle are pretty cool. and then when it makes it to the shelf and you get positive feedback, there's nothing better than that.” - Mike Speakman

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Erik Chapman! Erik has extensive experience in distilled spirits and fermented beverages, spanning multiple tiers of the industry from production and design to policy and compliance. In his current role, Erik manages production and packaging — and is helping to usher in the next chapter of NEFT. He is responsible for scaling NEFT to meet growing demands while maintaining the ultra-premium quality of the ingredients and final vodka, and unique custom packaging. 

He joins NEFT from the craft world having worked as a distiller and brewer as well as a consultant for wineries and cideries. With over 15 years in the industry, he has created hundreds of unique and successful formulas for a range of brands including core SKUs and white-label options for major retailers such as Trader Joe’s and Kroger.

He currently resides in his native Pacific Northwest with his family. He enjoys playing around with the beverage recipes — distilling and cocktails — in his free time.

Let’s dive into his story

00:32 - 07:36] Eric Chapman on NEFTT Vodka and the Future of Craft Spirits

• Erik Chapman is the Chief Operating Officer of NEFT Vodka.
• He is responsible for scaling NEFT to meet growing demands, maintaining the ultra-premium quality of the ingredients, and developing unique custom packaging.
• Chapman started his career in beverage alcohol on the on-premise side, owning and operating a craft cocktail bar in Seattle.
• He then sold the business after he started distilling and brewing.
• Erik add that He was distilling and brewing for Capitol Hill's Brewery & Distillery.

[07:36 - 15:00] Sustainable Vodka Made with Local and Mineral-Rich Ingredients

• That process starts with agriculture that process starts with a grain that is typically considered a peasant grain rye.
• Rye is different in Europe than it is in the US, and Erik has worked with both
• There are different grades of rye, and some can be used to make vodka.
• Erik likes sourcing things from dry-farmed. Here in the US that is called Salmon Safe certified.
• Organic farming doesn't make a huge difference to me on the land, but it does create better sustainability for workers and the community.

[15:00 - 23:04] Neft Vodka Becomes Trending Beverage in Kansas City

• It has been selling well in Europe and India but struggles to find a foothold in the United States.
• NEFT is trading up, encouraging customers to trade up from lower - quality vodka options.

[23:05 - 31:22] NEFT Spirits: Just, You Know, That Craft Spirit in There

• The Company is positioned as a premium spirit with a craft spirit feel, focusing on quality ingredients and filtration to produce a smooth, flavorful drink.
• NEFT produces a variety of spirits, including neutral ethanol burn vodka and gin.
• For those interested in learning more about spirits, NEFT recommends looking for local resources or taking classes offered by American Distilling Institute.

[29:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Cocktail
• It's seasonal - especially now that it’s raining Erik loves, Apple Brandy.
• Favorite go-to pairing
• Duck a l’Orange and Gin Cocktails
• Wine Resource
•  American Distilling Institute (ADI)
• Distilled Spirits Council the United States

Connect with Erik Chapman

Website: www.neftvodka.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“It’s a misconception that all vodka can be made from whatever and taste the same. It's, it's wildly untrue. Just like anything else in the world, any other beverage, alcohol, your base grain affects your output, your final product” - Erik Chapman

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Mara Smith!

Mara is a former attorney, corporate strategist, and stay-at-home mom who is the founder of Inspiro Tequila. She started drinking tequila when she was looking for a clean, gluten-free spirit that fit into her active lifestyle. Mara searched for a tequila brand that was additive-free with a look, taste, and aroma that appealed to her. That perfect tequila did not exist, so she decided to create one. Mara's goal was not just to create a one-of-a-kind tequila, it was also to bring another female voice to the spirits industry.  Women are a part of every aspect of Inspiro Tequila's process from creating the taste profiles to getting bottles on the shelves. As a female founder, Mara's mission is to inspire and support other women on their entrepreneurial journeys through financial support and mentoring. 

[00:01 - 15:41] Mara’s Journey and Goals, Bringing Empowerment to Women 

• Mara’s goal was not just to create a one-of-a-kind tequila, but also to bring another female voice to the spirits industry.
• Women are a part of every aspect of Spirit tequila's process from creating the taste profiles to getting bottles on the shelves.
• As a female founder, Mara's Mission is to inspire and support other women
• The challenges of starting a tequila company, include finding distilleries and finding a master distiller.
• The unique flavor profile of Inspiro Blanco tequila is rested in oak barrels and aged for a minimum of 30 days.

[15:41 - 23:06] A Fresh Look from A Design Perspective from Labels to Bottle designs 

• The name Inspiro came about after hemming and hawing the moment it came to her she knew she wanted to name it that way
• The brand story is just her story and wasn't developed by a team
• There are three customer groups: distributors, retailers, and end-users
• Getting started can be overwhelming, so it's important to do research and have a plan
• You have to be strategic when entering new markets and one market at a time"

[23:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Spirit or Cocktail 
• • Tequila Soda
• Favorite go-to pairing
• • Sushi & Tequila
  • Chips and Guacamole
• Tequila Resource
• • Tequilamatchmaker.com
  • Tequila Aficionado Podcast

Connect with Mara Smith

Instagram:@inspirotequilaFacebook: www.facebook.com/inspirotequila LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/inspiro-tequilaPinterest: www.pinterest.ph/inspirotequila

Or visit their website at https://inspirotequila.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“It's just about trying to help other women,  as they get started. So we provide grants and mentoring and that’s the part that is really fun for me.” - Mara Smith

“I really wanted something, even from the bottle design. It's super sleek and sophisticated. It looks very different than a standard tequila bottle." - Mara Smith

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Jack Espy!

Jack Espy. Born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Santa Barbara, Jack currently splits his time between Nashville and NYC.  He has a real estate finance background, but amidst a global pandemic, a few too many homemade quarantine cocktails became sticky - literally! - situation. He came out of quarantine with an idea inspired by many nights concocting honey-based drinks for “Hive,” and embarked on a new career as the founder of Spirited Hive. Sparked by a desire to not return to the world of finance, Jack poured his energy and life savings into creating a new line of canned cocktails, all sweetened with a bit of honey.

Let’s dive into his story!

[00:33 - 07:33] Spirited Hive Founder Shares Tips for Crafting Unique Spirits

• Spirited Hive was created as a way to use higher-quality spirits and organic sweeteners, and Jack differentiated his brand by focusing on friends and creating drinks for friends.
• Spirited Hive currently offers vodka, cranberry lime, ginger tequila, watermelon, blueberry lemon, and grapefruit ginger.

[07:33 - 15:28] Hive Spirits Makes a Mark in Nashville

• Hive uses high-quality spirits, honey, and other ingredients to create unique cocktails.
• The brand has faced challenges in getting its products into stores due to the competitive nature of the industry.
• To overcome these challenges, Hive has developed strong relationships with retailers.

[15:29 - 22:20]  Spirited Hive's top seller

• The natural soccer club is a brand that specializes in creating and selling alcoholic drinks inspired by soccer.
• The first product released was a vodka infused with cranberry, lime, honey, and natural flavor.
• Since then, the company has released other alcoholic drinks including tequila ginger, bourbon ginger, and honeydew ginger.
• All products are 7% alcohol by volume.

[22:20 - 29:09] Hive Craft Cocktails: Nashville's Best-Kept Secret

• Hive Craft Cocktails come in four flavors: bourbon, rosemary, gin, and vodka.
• The Nashville market was targeted because people there are already familiar with high-quality spirits and are willing to spend more money on them.
• Be sure to have a good brand story and target a demographic that is interested in your product.

[29:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Cocktail
• • Mexican Meal
• Favorite go-to pairing
• • Merlot and Rib-eye
• Wine Resource
• • Can Cocktails
  • Reserve Bar

Connect with Jack Espy

Instagram: @spiritedhive

Website: www.spiritedhive.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

"I always go back to the sense that this drink and this whole brand was built with friends and for friends." - Jack Espy

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today let me introduce you to Jesse and Aaron Inman, Owners and Winemakers at Lucky Rock Wine Co.

Jesse Inman had what one might euphemistically refer to as humble beginnings. After wandering around California and Europe in search of inspiration outside of art and drinking, he joined August Briggs Winery in 2006. After nearly 16 years of making wine for several different brands, including a few of his own.

Aaron Inman was introduced to Sonoma County when he visited his winemaker uncle in Calistoga, Napa Valley. During his visits, he realized he would move to Santa Rosa and attend the Junior College there during his teenage years.He became passionate about winemaking and considered pursuing an enology degree at UC Davis or Fresno State. Instead, he enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Jesse and Aaron have decided to make great wines with an emphasis on inclusivity rather than exclusivity. In other words, making wine less intimidating while providing a product that people can support is the driving force behind Lucky Rock Wine Co.

Let’s dive into their wine story!

[00:01 – 7:22] Opening Segment

• Aaron and Jesse shares their wine origin story
• Catching the winemaking bug and starting a winemaking company

[7:23– 17:13] The Origins of Lucky Rock Wine Co.

• Creating a specialized brand that caters to high-end wine enthusiasts
• Rebranding the business to reflect what personal mission and goals
• Knowing why you are different and what make you unique 

[17:14 – 40:18] Our Wines Show Our Uniqueness

• Maintaining quantity of sales without sacrificing the quality of the wine 
• Discovering vineyards that are the gems in the rough
• Customers might feel more connected to what they're buying if they know the vineyard and wine's history
• Wine is supposed to make people happy as they drink it 
• Be clear in your marketing and message so customers understand why they should buy your product

[40:19 – 42:59] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Wine
• Sauvignon blanc
• Edmunds St. John Bone-Jolly Gamay 
• Favorite go-to pairing
• Gumbo with a good Pinot
• Napa with steak and ribeye
• Wine Resource
• Wine Seminars
• Self learning through wine magazines and other resources 

Connect with Jesse and Aaron

Instagram: @luckyrockwineco, @messybob

Youtube: Lucky Rock Wine Lounge

Website: https://luckyrockwineco.com/

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

 JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“My advice to people is make sure you know why you're different.” - Aaron Inman

“It's not supposed to be the most sophisticated wine in the world. it's meant to make people happy while they're enjoying it.” - Jesse Inman

Kris Levy is speaking with Leto Cellars’ co-founder and operator Lisa Warner about her wine marketing and sales career. Warner has over three decades of experience in the wine industry, working for self-producers as well as Leto Cellars, which she and her husband Brad founded in 2008. While not every aspect of their business is perfect, Warner and her team are still working toward creating a unique wine experience that will attract their ideal customers.

[00:34 - 08:35] Opening Segment

• Lisa Warner is a co-founder of Leto Cellars and has been in the wine industry for over 30 years.
• She started out as an administrative assistant at Robert Mondavi Winery and then switched to marketing and sales.
• In 2008, she and her husband Brad launched Leto Cellars, a self-produced wine brand.
• In 2012, they rebranded the company.

[08:37 - 17:15] Lisa Shares Tips for Selling Wine

• Lisa took a wine entrepreneurship program at Sonoma State.
• Lisa learned to create customers, she needed to first be their friend.
• Lisa started working in a cellar for a few years to learn more about wine production and how to sell it.

[17:15 - 35:16] Lisa Discusses Sourcing

• The winery's core values are that they don't grow grapes, but they want to buy grapes from small, independent growers and support other families in the valley that mirror their values.
• They source grapes from Sonoma County, Mendocino County, and Lodi, California.
• They are open to sourcing wine from outside of Napa because of where they are located in the industrial park.

[35:16 - 37:31] Closing Segment

• Tasting Round with Lisa

Connect with Lisa:

Instagram: @letocellars

Website: letocellars.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this with your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

 JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

" I think a lot of people take for granted ... how long it takes to make a bottle of wine" - Kris Levy

" You can make wine all day, but then you have to figure out how you're gonna sell it." - Lisa Warner

"The dream is still alive. It's just going to be more focused going forward." - Lisa Warner

Eric Flanagan is the Founder and Managing Partner of Russian River Partners, as well as owner/founder and proprietor for Flanagan Wines.  In this episode, Eric shares his experience on how he grew his wine business. 

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 16:40] Opening Segment

• Leaving a career in finance to make a winery business
• Eric compares small wineries with horse racing
• Growing by putting out more money
• The Key is to Not Make Any Mistakes

[16:41 – 27:09] Buying and Selling Vineyards with Wine Investment Groups

• This is going to be a really good deal!
• How to Create Productive Vineyards
• Bringing in People to the Plan

[27:10 – 42:35] Quality Vineyards and Wineries

• Eric is lucky with his friends who have contributed to his business growth
• Building an exclusive use of grapes
• Evan compares wine to real estate
• Know your vineyard and create relationships

[42:36 – 51:04] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected]with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Eric takes on the rapid-fire questions with a twist

Connect with Eric

Website: flanaganwines.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: instagram.com/flanaganwines  

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!

JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level.

Tweetable Quotes:

“When you’re in touch with a lot of people, you get pretty wired in with what is really going on.” – Eric Flanagan

“If you have the thing that is the best of the best, the demand for that is very solid and stable.” – Eric Flanagan

“Building a wine brand is very hard.” – Eric Flanagan